Movie Ratings

Where can I find more specific information about a movie's content?
We have found ScreenIt.com to be an excellent source of information about the objectionable material in a movie.

Why are you so strict about the movie ratings?
Most movies released in the US are voluntarily submitted for rating by the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA) which is a division of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The ratings board is made up of parents who watch each movie and determine how most parents would feel about the movie's content. As a responsible business, it is our duty to follow these ratings and not admit children to films which are restricted to their age group. As a parent, you know what material is or isn't acceptable for your child. We simply want to leave that decision up to you, and in doing so we assume that it is not OK for your child to see "R" rated movies unless you tell us otherwise. This is the only way we can truly protect the interests of all parents.

Additionally, there are some lawmakers in Washington who want to make the rating system into law. Part of their proposed legislation would include severe fines for theatres and theatre employees who sell tickets to people under the age of 17. The only real defense we (The Movie Industry) have is to diligently enforce the voluntary ratings system. back to top

I'm 17, but I could not get into an "R" rated movie without an ID. Why is this?
As part of our enforcement of the ratings system, we require photo ID if you appear to be under the age of 25. While you may be 17 or older, the only way we can be sure is to have you show ID. If you can not show ID, we must assume you are under 17 and will not be able to sell you tickets for an "R" rated movie. back to top

Why the hassle to see an "R" rated movie; I don't have a problem at other theatres?
The rating system is a voluntary system, which means that every theatre (or chain) can choose whether or not to enforce the ratings and to what extent to enforce the ratings.

N.A.T.O. (National Association of theatre Owners) and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) recommend strict enforcement of the ratings policy including having parents watch "R" rated movies with their kids. Our policy is that we do require proof that you are 17 or older or have a parents permission. We do not accept notes or phone calls as permission to see an "R" rated movie. back to top

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